Wisconsin running back Montee Ball went from being attacked in the offseason to leading the Badgers to the Big Ten championship. / Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

DENVER - The Denver Broncos went into the draft hoping to pick up a new starting running back.

When it came time for their pick late in the second round, the Broncos had two choices - Wisconsin's Montee Ball, and Alabama's Eddie Lacy, who had tumbled down the draft board. The Broncos took Ball, who scored 83 touchdowns for the Badgers, at pick No. 58.

The Packers selected Lacy three picks later.

Matt Russell, Denver's director of player personnel, clarified why the Broncos picked Ball over Lacy, who had received far more pre-draft buzz. Lacy was unable to participate in the NFL scouting combine because of a hamstring injury, but it was his surgically repaired toe that had the Broncos concerned.

"The issue with Eddie Lacy was we were worried about a toe injury that he had, and that's what probably caused him to slip," Russell said on a conference call with season-ticket holders Tuesday. "And we really felt great about Montee Ball. We were worried about Lacy's medical and how long he could play. We feel like we got a career back in Montee Ball."

Ball will begin competing to be the Broncos' starter as soon as the rookies join Denver veterans for organized team activities later this month. Incumbent starters Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno are recovering from knee injuries.

John Elway, the Broncos' executive vice president, said McGahee was "getting close to being real healthy," but saved most of his praise for Ball.

Elway said Ball jumped out at him on film, and reminded him of a former teammate.

"His running style is a lot like Terrell Davis," Elway said. "Obviously that got us real excited. Hopefully he'll have a longer career than Terrell had. ... We think we found a gem in Montee."